Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Kailh BCP

Overview

When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves attracted to distinct characteristics that can enhance their typing experience. The Gateron Ink Yellow switch stands out for its shorter travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between the tactile feedback of standard mechanical keyboards and the smoothness akin to laptop keyboards. With its neutral, clacky, and polished nature, the Ink Yellow is ideal for users who appreciate a pleasant resonance while typing. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switch reimagines the beloved Black Cherry Pie design, providing a uniquely bouncy and elastic feel, complemented by a creamy texture. This switch delivers a poppy and clacky sound profile that many users find enjoyable, particularly those who seek a more playful typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Ink Yellow favoring a smoother, more subdued sound and the BCP inviting an energetic and lively feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Kailh BCP Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Kailh BCP switches, a stark contrast emerges due to the distinctive properties of their respective materials. The Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, yielding a consistent sound profile that is characterized by a high-pitched, clacky quality. This design enables a more elevated sound experience, as the pointed nature of the INK blend material contributes to a crisp auditory feedback when keys are pressed and released. In contrast, the Kailh BCP employs a nylon housing, which is known for its softer characteristics that promote a deeper and fuller sound. This results in a more muted auditory experience, leading to a rounder tone as compared to the sharper profile of the Ink Yellow.

Interestingly, the variation in sound profiles is primarily attributed to the nature of the materials used in the construction of these switch housings. The nylon housing of the BCP dampens sound due to its added softness, creating a contrast with the louder and more resonant alloy of the INK blend found in the Ink Yellow. While the Ink Yellow's sound tends to be lively and vibrant, the BCP provides a more subdued typing experience that appeals to those seeking a quieter environment. This difference in auditory character can influence user preferences based on their desired typing feedback and overall sound environment, highlighting the importance of material selection in switch design.

Despite these differences, both switches can share some commonalities in performance. If one were to mix and match these switch types, the nuanced distinctions in sound profile would become evident based on the mechanical interaction between the top and bottom housings during typing. For instance, although the individual qualities of the INK blend and nylon materials are distinct, combining these switches could yield a hybrid typing sensation where the pearls of each material can create diverse auditory experiences. Users might enjoy experimenting with various configurations to find their ideal switch sound and feel, particularly if they appreciate a blend of sharper and rounder sound profiles in their keyboard setup.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Yellow requires an actuation force of 60 grams and has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the BCP has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Gateron Ink Yellow is the heavier option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for users who prefer a firmer feel while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Kailh BCP provides a lighter touch, which can enhance comfort during extended typing sessions. Both switches are classified as medium-heavy; however, the differences in force may lead to varied user experiences, particularly for those whose preferences tilt towards either a softer or firmer response.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that when you press down on the keys, they will feel the same in terms of how far they travel from top to bottom. This similarity in travel distance will provide a comparable typing experience, allowing users to feel consistent actuation across both switches. Since both switches share the same travel distance, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness and key feedback when using either option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch exhibits a neutral and clacky audio profile. This combination offers users a moderately loud typing experience characterized by a bright, percussive sound when keys are pressed. The Ink Yellow is versatile and well-suited for both home and office environments, allowing typists to enjoy a pleasant auditory feedback without being overly disruptive. In contrast, specifics regarding the sound profile of the Kailh BCP switch remain unknown, but it is often associated with a more unique sound that is distinctively poppy and clacky. This suggests that while both switches provide auditory feedback that may be enjoyable to their users, the BCP may introduce an additional layer of character that isn't fully articulated.

When examining the feel of these switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow is characterized as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for anyone, whether beginner or advanced. The polished nature means users will benefit from a smooth key travel that reduces friction—ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP is described as creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy, suggesting a more dynamic typing experience that can provide some tactile excitement with each keystroke. While the feel of the Ink Yellow is smooth and refined, the BCP's characteristics may cater to those looking for a more lively interaction with their keyboard.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Kailh BCP linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them well-suited for different typing experiences. The Ink Yellow provides a balanced auditory experience with a smooth and accommodating feel, perfect for more conventional use-cases. Meanwhile, the Kailh BCP introduces a bounciness that may add a fun element to typing. Ultimately, users can select based on their sound and feel preferences; however, they can expect a satisfactory experience with either switch, as long as their requirements align with the specific attributes of each.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch will ultimately depend on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a typing experience that closely mimics the feel of a laptop keyboard—characterized by a shorter travel distance—along with a smooth and mildly clacky sound profile, then the Ink Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. Its slightly heavier actuation force of 67 grams lends a tangible feedback that may appeal to those who appreciate a firmer key press. Conversely, if you prefer a unique blend of bounciness and a vibrant, poppy sound, the Kailh BCP could be more to your liking. We recommend the BCP for those who appreciate a fun and playful typing experience, enhanced by its creamy and elastic feel. Additionally, if you enjoy a keyboard that is easy to work with regarding assembly and maintenance, the BCP's design may be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects matter most to your typing style and work environment when making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more